Curating a menu that finds its focus in fresh, raw, vegan eats, Raw Pawpaw has opened in the quaint old Cafe Bouquiniste space on Merthyr Road. Raw, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan symbols are clearly labelled aside each item on the all-day breakfast and lunch menu, which also features the odd poached egg and baked sweet treat amongst its raw offerings.

Of a morning, sample the likes of fresh banana on sourdough with honey, ricotta and pistachio crumb, or an acai bowl blended with banana and coconut water and topped with coconut, caramelised buckinis, banana and cranberries. There’s the Lifestyle Board with avocado, roasted cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, beetroot relish, goats cheese, dukkah and sourdough for those who desire protein of a morning, while come lunch the vegetarian burger with crumbed eggplant or tofu sates ravenous appetites. Raw lovers can opt for the zucchini pasta with spinach and activated cashew nut pesto, and choose from the range of lush salads, perhaps adding smoked salmon or chicken to round out the meal.

Fresh juices and coldpress coffee are made in-house, and smoothies are made on Luz almond milk or coconut water. Saccharine treats may come in hefty proportions, but they’re made with raw, vegan and gluten free ingredients, so you can’t feel too guilty about eating an entire caramel slice to yourself. The once eclectically cramped book nook has been transformed into a warm minimal space internally, with the original bookshelves now stocked with neat rows of packaged chai, muesli and preserves to take home, and the odd baked treat to gobble while you wait for your takeaway goods. Pull up a bench at one of the tables in the courtyard outside – topped with Little Pawpaw’s signature painted pawpaws – to soak up some rays, or hunker down inside for a quiet moment with a good book indoors.

For contact information and trading hours, check out our Stumble Guide.